Why the test is performed: This test is typically performed on infants and children to identify human growth hormone (hGH) deficiency as a cause of growth retardation. It is also useful in detecting a pituitary tumor.
Reviewed last on: 3/18/2008
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.